Commercial vehicle questions, answered.
Straight answers on COE, financing, insurance, road tax and trade-in for Singapore commercial vehicles — and how Legion Motors and Kimi help with each.
What counts as a commercial vehicle in Singapore?
In Singapore, a commercial vehicle is one registered for business or goods-carrying use rather than private transport — this covers goods vehicles such as lorries and vans, pick-ups, and certain buses. Commercial goods vehicles are registered under COE Category C and are taxed and inspected differently from private cars. A model like a cargo van or a Toyota Hilux is typically classed as commercial when it's registered for goods or business use. Legion Motors deals in new commercial vehicles — lorries, vans and electric models — for Singapore businesses.
Can an individual buy a commercial vehicle in Singapore, or only companies?
Both. In Singapore, a commercial (goods) vehicle can be registered to a company or to an individual — you don't need to own a business to buy a van or lorry. What matters is that you hold a valid driving licence for that class of vehicle (Class 3 covers most cars and light goods vehicles; heavier lorries need Class 4 or 5) and that the vehicle is registered under COE Category C. Many Legion Motors customers are sole proprietors, delivery drivers and tradespeople buying in their own name. Tell Kimi how you'll use the vehicle and she'll confirm the licence class you need.
Can I buy a van in Singapore for personal use?
You can register a commercial van in your own name, but it stays classified as a goods vehicle under COE Category C — it does not become a private car. That means it remains subject to goods-vehicle rules: a lower speed limit (60 km/h), restrictions on carrying passengers (generally only workers connected to the goods being carried, not family or leisure passengers), and commercial road-tax and inspection treatment. So a van is ideal if you mainly move goods or run a trade, but if you want a vehicle purely for private family transport, a car is usually the better fit. Tell Kimi how you plan to use it and she'll advise honestly whether a commercial van suits, and confirm the current LTA rules.
What driving licence do I need to drive a van or lorry in Singapore?
It depends on the vehicle's weight. Most vans and light goods vehicles (light lorries up to 3,500 kg maximum laden weight) can be driven on a Class 3 (manual) or Class 3A (automatic) licence — the same class as a car. Heavier lorries need a Class 4 licence, and the largest trucks and prime movers with trailers need Class 5. If you're not sure which class your intended vehicle needs, tell Kimi the model or size and she'll tell you the licence required before you commit.
Is a pickup like the Toyota Hilux a commercial vehicle in Singapore?
Usually yes. In Singapore, pickups such as the Toyota Hilux are typically registered as goods vehicles under COE Category C, which makes them commercial vehicles for tax, inspection and usage purposes — even though they can carry passengers. Whether a specific vehicle is 'commercial' comes down to how it is registered with the LTA, not just its shape. If you're weighing a pickup against a van or lorry for your business, ask Kimi and she'll explain the registration, road-tax and running-cost differences for your use case.
How much does a commercial vehicle cost in Singapore?
The on-the-road price of a commercial vehicle in Singapore is made up of the vehicle's base cost plus the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) under Category C, registration fees, GST and road tax — so the total moves with the prevailing COE price rather than being a single fixed number. A small van and a 14-foot lorry sit at very different price points, and diesel and electric models differ again. Rather than quote a figure that goes stale, Legion Motors shows live, COE-inclusive prices at legionmotors.sg/new-vehicles, and Kimi can give you an exact out-the-door figure for any model in stock on WhatsApp.
How do I buy a commercial vehicle from Legion Motors?
It's a straightforward process. Tell Kimi what you carry and your budget, and she'll shortlist suitable models from live stock with COE-inclusive prices. Once you choose, Legion arranges financing (hire purchase or a loan) if you need it, helps you set up commercial-vehicle insurance, and handles the COE, registration and plating. You collect a road-ready vehicle, and Kimi keeps tracking your road tax, inspection, insurance and COE dates afterwards so nothing lapses. Start on WhatsApp at +65 8989 0298, or call the office on +65 6034 9669.
What is COE for a commercial vehicle in Singapore?
Every vehicle in Singapore needs a Certificate of Entitlement (COE) to be on the road. Commercial vehicles — goods vehicles such as lorries and vans — fall under Category C. A COE lasts 10 years, after which you either deregister the vehicle or renew the COE by paying the Prevailing Quota Premium (PQP). Legion Motors handles COE renewal and advises whether renewing or replacing makes more financial sense for your vehicle.
How do I renew the COE on my lorry or van?
When your commercial vehicle's 10-year COE is expiring, you can renew it for another 5 or 10 years by paying the Prevailing Quota Premium (PQP) — a moving average of recent COE prices. A 5-year renewal is final and cannot be renewed again; a 10-year renewal can. Legion Motors works out the PQP cost for your specific vehicle, compares it against buying new, and handles the paperwork. WhatsApp Kimi your vehicle number for an indicative figure.
Should I renew my COE or buy a new commercial vehicle?
It depends on your vehicle's condition, mileage, the current PQP, and whether a newer or electric model would cut your running costs. As a rule of thumb, if the PQP plus expected repairs approaches the cost of a newer vehicle with a fresh 10-year COE, replacing is usually the better move. Legion Motors runs the numbers both ways for your exact vehicle — send Kimi your plate number on WhatsApp.
Do commercial vehicles need road tax and inspection in Singapore?
Yes. Commercial vehicles require road tax to be renewed regularly and must pass a periodic LTA vehicle inspection — goods vehicles are typically inspected once a year. Legion's assistant Kimi tracks your road tax, inspection, insurance and COE dates and reminds you on WhatsApp before each one is due, so nothing lapses.
Can I drive my Singapore commercial vehicle into Malaysia?
Yes. A Singapore-registered goods vehicle can be driven into Malaysia, but you'll need a valid Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) with the RFID tag fitted, a Touch 'n Go / Autopass arrangement for tolls, and motor insurance that extends cover to West Malaysia — check your policy, as not every Singapore commercial policy includes it. Remember Singapore's rule that you must leave the country with at least a three-quarter full fuel tank. If your van or lorry regularly crosses the Causeway for business, tell Kimi and she'll make sure your insurance quote covers Malaysia.
How does financing work for a commercial vehicle?
Most Singapore SME owners buy via hire purchase — spreading the cost over the vehicle's useful life with a deposit and monthly instalments — or a bank/in-house loan. The tenure, deposit and rate depend on the vehicle and your business profile. Legion Motors helps you assemble the documentation and arrange a repayment plan that fits your cash flow. Ask Kimi for an indicative monthly figure on any vehicle in stock.
What commercial vehicles does Legion Motors sell?
Legion Motors specialises in new commercial vehicles for Singapore businesses — 10-foot and 14-foot lorries (dropside and cab-and-chassis), vans, and electric models. Current stock spans diesel and EV options from brands such as Toyota, Hino, Isuzu, Forland, BYD, Maxus and Nissan. See live stock and prices at legionmotors.sg/new-vehicles, or ask Kimi what suits your load and budget.
What are the best commercial vehicles for a small business in Singapore?
The right commercial vehicle for an SME depends on your load size, driving profile and budget. For light urban deliveries a van or a 10-foot lorry is common; for heavier or bulkier loads a 14-foot lorry suits better. Reliable, well-supported brands for Singapore businesses include Toyota, Hino, Isuzu, Nissan, Forland, BYD and Maxus. Legion Motors carries these in both diesel and electric — tell Kimi what you carry and your budget, and she'll recommend the best fit from current stock.
Can I buy an electric commercial vehicle in Singapore?
Yes. Electric lorries and vans are increasingly practical for Singapore's short urban delivery routes and can lower your fuel and road-tax costs. Legion Motors stocks electric commercial vehicles such as the Forland ET5, BYD T35 and Maxus e-Deliver 5 alongside diesel options. Ask Kimi to compare an EV against a diesel equivalent for your usage so you can see whether the running-cost savings make sense for your business.
Are there government grants for buying an electric commercial vehicle in Singapore?
Yes. For light electric commercial vehicles (vans and light goods vehicles up to 3,500 kg), the Commercial Vehicle Emissions Scheme (CVES) gives the cleanest, all-electric band an incentive of up to S$15,000 at registration — while an equivalent diesel in the most pollutive band instead pays a S$20,000 surcharge, so the gap between electric and diesel is smaller than the sticker price suggests. For heavier electric lorries and buses (above 3,500 kg), the Heavy Vehicle Zero Emissions Scheme (HVZES) gives S$40,000 per vehicle, paid over three years. The exact amount depends on your vehicle's emissions band and weight — tell Kimi the model you're considering and she'll confirm the current figure.
How do I charge an electric van or commercial vehicle in Singapore?
Most commercial EV owners in Singapore charge overnight at their own premises or depot and top up on Singapore's growing public charging network during the day. Light electric vans use the same AC and DC chargers as electric cars, while heavier electric lorries need higher-powered DC charging. A typical light electric van covers a full day of urban delivery on an overnight charge — real-world range varies by model, so it's worth matching the vehicle to your daily distance. Tell Kimi your routes and daily mileage and she'll recommend a model whose range and charging fit your operation, and explain the charger-installation grant available for heavy-vehicle chargers.
Can I arrange insurance for my commercial vehicle through Legion Motors?
Yes. Legion Motors works with several motor-insurance agencies and arranges cover for commercial and private vehicles; the agency confirms the final premium. To start a quote you'll need your vehicle number, current insurer, policy expiry date and your NCD (no-claim discount). Kimi can begin the quote for you on WhatsApp and compare options.
What is the COE rebate when I deregister a commercial vehicle?
If you deregister a vehicle before its COE expires, you may receive a COE rebate — a pro-rated refund of the remaining COE value. Note that the PARF (Preferential Additional Registration Fee) rebate generally applies to cars, not commercial goods vehicles. Legion Motors explains exactly what your vehicle qualifies for when you trade in or deregister.
How do I trade in my old commercial vehicle?
Legion Motors accepts trade-ins against a new vehicle. Share your vehicle's details — model, year, COE expiry and condition — and we'll give you a trade-in indication and factor it into your new-vehicle price. Start with Kimi on WhatsApp and she'll guide you through it.
How do I contact Legion Motors?
Chat with Kimi, Legion's assistant, 24/7 on WhatsApp at +65 8989 0298, or call the office line at +65 6034 9669. Kimi answers questions on vehicles, COE, insurance and financing, and can arrange a viewing. Website: legionmotors.sg.
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